New OTA practice rules & hefty fine penalties: NFL coaches become wary of CBA-defined restrictions
National Football League (NFL), the representative and regulatory body of the American professional football, has recently tightened organised team activities (OTAs) rules, apparently seeking to improve welfare of the players and avoid any hectic schedules
and sessions that can cause them health and safety problems.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the regulator has reduced the number of OTA practices to 10.
Any activity above the number will tantamount to violation of the rule and draw strict punishment, mainly hefty fines.
The new rules have limited each practice session to two hours maximum and clearly set the guidelines on permissible and non-permissible workout related activities.
In addition, cameras have to be in place to monitor OTAs. The recording will be reviewed by the league office to check any violations.
Moreover, coaches and teams should ensure effective implementation of the rules on the field. Onus of any lapse or violations is on them and they are liable to pay hefty fines, which will be contributed towards different social causes.
Any reported violation will be reviewed by an arbitrator who has to decide the level of violation and scope of the punishment.
First violation is most likely to cost the head coach $100,000 and second $250,000. The team or franchise, on the other hand, will have to pay $250,000 for first and $500,000 for second violation.
The funds generated through fines will be channelized to Gene Upshaw Players Assistance Trust and Player Care Foundation. Both volunteer organisations will share the amount 50-50.
Also, two violations will cost the team next week of OTAs. If violations occur in the last week of OTAs, the first week of next season’s OTAs will be considered for the punishment.
In case of violation, a team will also have to surrender fourth-round draft pick next season, if it qualifies for it.
In view of the severity of the rules, many coaching officials have become wary of the approach towards workout in OTAs.
This was the reason that Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach, Mike Mularkey, was seen rushing to take running back, Rashad Jennings, off the extra workout the player wanted to do on first day of the team’s OTAs on Tuesday, May 22.
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